Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  Good truck - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By chris - May 21 - 10:25 am

  We bought our 07 in 07 and have over 20k on the clock. It is an awesome road trip car and tows my 4k lb boat very well even with just the V6 (make sure to get 373 gears) we get 19-20 mpg in mixed driving. Bad weather is joke with the traction control and auto 4wd. I wish I had better mpg but its a body on frame truck that ways 4000+ and has 373 gears, its only going to do so well. All in all it does very well hauling, towing, and cruising, and I always enjoy driving it.

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  Love it! - 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By speechgeek - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck/SUV! Ive read reviews that rag on its ability to tow, but if I wanted to tow a huge trailer, I would have bought a huge truck. If I would have wanted a people mover, I would have bought a huge Excursion. This vehicle is the best of both worlds. I can haul more than a Chevy S- 10, and its so much better looking. You cant beat the Pioneer audiophile 6- disc in-dash changer w/ subwoofer, either!

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  1st SUV & Ford - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By angelfriend - May 21 - 10:00 am

  When I decided to purchase an SUV, I wanted something that was classy, reliable & comfortable. After test driving 8 competitive SUVs (and some were in the 40K+ range) I now realize why there are so many Ford Explorers on the road. I love it. The comfort and stability in the ride cinched the sale.

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  Garbage - 2002 Ford Focus
  By herodotus66 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Do not buy a focus ztw wagon. I have had nothing but trouble with the engine and transmission, with no help from the dealer. Avoid this car like SARS.

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  Go and Get One! - 2003 Ford Focus
  By FOCUSEDMAN - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Well I purchased this car about 3 days ago, and I love it. I am a 64 person with plenty of room in this car. It has a very sporty European look, which will turn heads. The car has great handling and shifts nicely. (I have a 5 speed) The PZEV engine has some nice power for a 4 cylinder, plus you are helping the enviroment. Dont listen to those negative reviews, go out and get one today...

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  Not like the old Vans! - 2000 Ford Econoline Wagon
  By BillBx - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Bad Steering, very bad brakes, very bad front end, dumb dealer repairs, bad Ford feedback, low qulaty assembly & parts. Wont buy again!

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  Centennial Edition - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Ford - May 21 - 9:06 am

  Purchased new with massive rebates; was looking for an 04 but found this black beauty and had to have it. Was comparing to Jeep Grand Cherokee, but preferred the Explorer style. Unfortunately, I had to find one without the sunroof so my head would not hit the roof (Im under 6 foot!). The extra $995 for the Centennial option may not have been worth it, but it does make people look twice at this high-contrast vehicle.

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  Love this truck... Hate the fuel economy! - 2007 Ford F-150
  By Ashley - May 21 - 7:20 am

  I purchased this truck to pull my horse trailer - I love it! The outside styling is great, very sleek and sharp looking. Rides smooth and quiet all the time, and rides comfortable! I tried to work with GM on either a Sierra or Silverado and no dealership would work with me so I ended up w/ a Ford by default and Im not sorry! I really like this truck! Fuel economy stinks compared to GMs that Ive seen - I get about 13 MPG compared to almost 20 MPG on GM trucks that friends own. Inside storage is okay, although there is a small storage compartment under the radio and its useless - very shallow and everything falls out of it. Overall, I like this truck a lot and would buy another.

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  Get this car! - 2008 Ford Fusion
  By aarondhead - May 21 - 1:31 am

  I have had my Fusion for 3 months now and I absolutly love it! Even with the 4 banger I have to pay attention or I will look down and see that I am cruising at high speed. I ave 22-26 mpg (depending on how much I am paying attention). I even stepped up and got the Sport edition, 18 inch wheels, spoiler, leather trim, moon and tune (sun and sound whatever you want to call it) with the 6 disc indash and the sound system that you can hear no matter what speed you are going. I am a Mustang guy but could not get one because of the size (I need 4 doors) but I am in no way ashamed of this car. I have had 5 grown (6 ft+) men in it and we were comfortable. Just drive it I know that you will love it!

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  Ford Has A Winner - 2008 Ford Taurus
  By kwc - May 20 - 6:51 pm

  For the price this is a hard car to beat in the sedan category. Nice ride, well laid out interior, I can listen to my ipod, plenty of room and a huge trunk. For the size mpg is not bad either, but if you have a heavy foot the mpg goes down quickly.